May 5, 2014

A lot of general managers have been kicking themselves all season for passing on versatile guard Michael Carter-Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers, as today he was awarded the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year, the NBA announced. Carter-Williams, out of Syracuse University, was not selected until the 11th pick in the NBA Draft, but nevertheless became only the third rookie since 1950-51 to lead all rookies in scoring, rebounding, and assists.

A tall point guard with good court vision, Carter-Williams averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, joining Oscar Robertson (1960-61) and Alvan Adams (1975-76) as the only players since 1950-51 to pace all rookies in those three categories. He also joined Robertson and Magic Johnson as the only rookies in NBA history to average at least 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Carter-Williams also led all rookies in steals (1.86 spg, sixth in NBA).

Carter-Williams received 104 of a possible 124 first-place votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, finishing with 569 points.

The Orlando Magic’s Victor Oladipo finished second with 364 points (16 first-place votes) and Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz finished third with 96 points (one first place vote). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote, and one point for each third-place vote.

Carter-Williams was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played Oct. 29-Nov. 3, joining Shaquille O’Neal as the only rookies in history to capture NBA Player of the Week honors to begin their careers. Carter-Williams went on to earn NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors in October/November, January, March, and April.

He tallied 17 double-doubles and two triple-doubles on the season, while scoring at least 20 points in 25 contests.